Union Dues Frequently Asked Questions
How much are union dues?
Dues for SEIU members are 1.7%, of the member’s gross monthly salary for time in regular pay status. Dues are not calculated on overtime or premium pay. Most find that this is about 3 hours of pay a month.
Think of it like this – If you take a sick day or a vacation day that month. The first three hours of that pays for your dues. Those sick and vacation hours were earned and negotiated by the union members who came before you.
What is the Issues assessment? “SEIU 503 ISS” $2.75 on your paystub.
This is an ongoing assessment dedicated to promoting and defending the interests of members though public issue campaigns including ballot measures.
How much money do worksite locals get to spend? Monthly dues rebates are given to locals to conduct their business per SEIU 503 Bylaws. CAPE political contributions are voluntary.
How were the UO Local 085 rebates spent?
Some items include but aren’t limited to:
- Meeting space rental fees
- Turkeys for our members during the Pandemic
- Food for meetings
- Gifts to raffle off during the holidays
- Swag specific to 085
What other funds are my dues allocated to?
Partial allocation of monthly dues payments for regular/active members, Union’s Strike Benefit Fund, Strike and Job Protection Fund, Union’s political action program, (Members can choose to have this allocation go to a scholarship fund.)
What do our dues get used for?
Dues are an investment in job security and respect on the job. In addition to higher wages, union workers enjoy better health insurance, pensions, occupational safety and health, and job security than do unorganized workers. Far more than unorganized workers, union employees receive fair treatment, right, dignity, and respect on the job.
Some of the things dues are used for:
- Negotiating contracts requires research analysts, negotiators, union reps, and field staffers to organize rallies, worksite actions, and press events.
- Defending members and enforcing contracts requires money for legal help as well as grievance and arbitration expenses.
- Winning improved legislation and public service by lobbying, research, and testifying at the local, state, and federal level.
- New member organizing to improve wages and benefits in competing workplaces so our own wages and benefits are not eroded or contracted out.
- Occupational safety and health programs.
- Education and publications for union programs of all kinds, including newsletters, media campaigns, public relations, and opinion surveys. Strike, welfare, defense, and other worker funds.
- Office rents, travel, supplies, and administration.
- Support for programs on civil and human rights, equal opportunity, senior members, and organizing.
How do we change the amount we pay for dues? Members determine the amount and structure of dues. Dues cannot be changed except by a majority vote of active membership. Generally, proposals to change the dues structures are brought forward at the biennial General Council (held in August of even years). General Council delegates decide if the proposal should be brought to the members for ratification. The voting process for members to change dues must follow strict federal election guidelines. Only members can vote, voting is by secret ballot and ballots are counted by an independent accounting firm. Members can observe ballot counting and ballots are kept for 1 year after the election.